At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with diverse needs, using creative communication tools and techniques.
- Company: Rowanfield School, a vibrant community focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a rewarding and fun work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a sense of humour are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27257 - 29850 £ per year.
Salary: £27,257 - £29,850
Hours: 27.5 per week, 39 weeks sessional
Responsibilities:
- Working one-to-one with children who have a high level of need, including none or minimally verbal learners
- Working with children with intellectual and communication disabilities
- Using communication tools such as visuals, Signalong or AAC
- De-escalation of challenging behaviour
Most importantly the successful candidate must have a sense of humour, be able to think creatively, work well in a team and be ready for the most rewarding of challenges.
About the School:
Opened in 2002, Rowanfield Special School (Primary) is situated in North of Edinburgh and is part of the Craigroyston High School learning community. The school meets the additional support needs of children from 5-12 years of age with a wide range of barriers to learning. The school serves a wide area with pupils travelling from across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Pupils are placed in school following a referral to The Education Placement Group (EPG). Our school community has a neurodivergent population of 9 classes. 6 classes (Willow & Hawthorn) have pupils which have a range of Social & Emotional needs and 3 classes (Sycamore) have learners with intellectual and/or communication needs. Sycamore team opened in 2020. This team is predominantly for pupils with complex language and communication difficulties such as Autism and Intellectual disabilities. Many of the learners are nonspeaking and use gesture, body language, visual symbols and Signalong to communicate. Some learners need support with all aspects of personal care. There are 12 teaching staff (including HT, DHT & 2 PTs). They are supported by 25 support staff including Pupil Support Assistants, Early Years Practitioners, Pupil Support Officers, Administrator and Business Manager. We work closely with Allied Health Professionals and outside agencies such as NHS SLT, Spartans, CAMHS, Youth Music Initiative, Drake Music & Queen Margaret University.
Qualifications and Checks:
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
EEO Statement:
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Interview Process:
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Other Information:
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.
Pupil Support Worker - Rowanfield School employer: Diversity Dashboard
Rowanfield School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, we offer competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to professional development, ensuring that our Pupil Support Workers can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional support needs. Our collaborative work culture, enriched by partnerships with health professionals and community organisations, empowers employees to grow and innovate in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Worker - Rowanfield School
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Worker - Rowanfield School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Diversity Dashboard:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Diversity Dashboard! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
